Jane Doe from Ventura County Identified 46 Years After Body Discovered at Westlake High School

Ventura County Authorities Identify Victim in Cold Case 46 Years Later

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. – Nearly five decades after a tragic incident at Westlake High School, local authorities have identified the woman previously known as "Jane Doe Ventura County" as Maricela Rocha Parga. This announcement was made by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office on Monday.

On July 18, 1980, the body of a woman, partially clothed and bearing multiple stab wounds, was discovered in the upper parking lot of the high school. An autopsy revealed that she was pregnant at the time of her death. The case grew cold until advancements in forensic science prompted a reexamination in 2011. At that time, DNA evidence linked the murder to convicted killer Wilson Claude Chouest Jr., who was already serving a life sentence for other violent offenses.

Chouest was subsequently convicted for the murder in 2018 and received a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Recent advancements in DNA technology, combined with efforts from the DNA Doe Project, enabled officials to confirm the victim’s identity last month. The sheriff’s office commended the DNA Doe Project for its vital role in resolving this long-standing mystery.

"The DNA Doe Project was instrumental in assisting in identifying Maricela Rocha Parga, a case that remained unsolved for years, where identification was arduously pursued," the sheriff’s office stated. They emphasized that their work extends beyond ensuring convictions, aiming to honor the memory of victims and bring closure to families seeking answers.

Timeline of Significant Events:

• July 18, 1980: Maricela Rocha Parga’s body is discovered in Thousand Oaks.
• 2011: Cold Case Unit detectives reassess evidence for DNA.
• January 2013: A DNA profile leads to a match for Wilson Chouest in the CODIS database.
• 2018: Chouest is convicted of murder and sentenced to life without parole.
• January 2026: Collaborative research with the DNA Doe Project confirms the victim’s identity as Maricela Rocha Parga.

This case highlights the significant impact of technological advancements in forensic science, bringing closure to a family and honoring the memory of a woman whose life was tragically cut short.